MATCH INFO

Unilever Volei open Women’s Club World Champs with straight-set win over Iowa Ice

The strong Brazilian defence was one of the main reasons for Unilever's straight set win over Iowa Ice (USA).

Zurich, Switzerland, October 9, 2013 – Unilever Volei from Brazil jumped out for a straight-set triumph (25-14, 25-16, 25-22) versus Iowa Ice (USA) to start their 2013 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship campaign in style. Bernardinho’s team set the pace right from the beginning of tonight’s opening match in Zurich, giving their opponents from Iowa a hard time.

Best scorer of the match was Unilever’s middle blocker Juciely with 12 points. Megan Schipper and Brittney Brimmage helped their side with 8 kills each.

The favourites from Brazil quickly took command of the match. The US-players did their best to stop the powerful Brazilian spikers, but could not prevent Bernardinho’s squad to move the scoreboard forward. A quick combination in the middle with 43-year old (!) setter Fofão and middle blocker Juciely finished the first set 25-14 in Unilever’s favour. 19-year young Gabi contributed five winners for the South American team.

The story of the match did not change in the second set. Iowa captain Megan Schipper and Brittney Brimmage sent some missiles trough the Brazilian defence and libero Devon Jensen did her best to stop the Brazilian offense. However, Unilever kept the upper hand with solid net play and strong serves. Serbian national team player Brankica Mihajlovic brought up set point at 24-16, before an Iowa error offered the Brazilians a well-deserved 2-0 set lead.

Iowa Ice’s coach Janelle Hester apparently found the right words at changeover, putting her team back on track. In the middle of the third set, Iowa had reduced the gap to one point (15-16). Nevertheless, it was not good enough. Unilever kept calm with top scorer Juciely leading the Brazilian team to a hard-fought 25-22.

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